Werner Flores

Every morning at 6 a.m., Werner Flores opens the doors at Westbury High School. He turns the alarms off and the lights on and then checks to make sure the HVAC systems are up and running. But that’s where his routine typically ends.

As the school’s senior plant operator, Flores says no two days are alike. And he likes it that way.

“I enjoy the variety, so it doesn’t feel like a job anymore,” Flores said. “It’s never boring. There’s always more to do, so the day passes fast, and suddenly it’s time to go home.” 

Flores has worked in HISD’s Facilities Services department for 14 years, and at Westbury for the past four. He and his team are responsible for ensuring the school is clean and safe and that the building and mechanical systems are properly maintained.

“Mr. Flores goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the campus,” Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said. “He is amazing. His work ethic is like no other individual I have ever worked with.”

Flores said the best part of his job is the people that he works with. And it seems the feeling is mutual.

“He does his job with a smile on his face and a very pleasant attitude,” Monaghan said. “Mr. Flores is loved by all at Westbury High School.”

In March, Westbury opened a new addition, which was constructed as part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program. That means Flores and his team now have even more area to cover. But he doesn’t mind — especially seeing the joy it has brought to both students and staff.

“At the end of the day, my job is about making everyone else’s job easier, so they can teach and work with the kids,” Flores said. “That’s what I’m here for.”